Home
Welcome to the Staffordshire Schools' Football Association Website
You can also follow SSFA on Twitter (@staffsscchoolsfa) for the latest news and updates by clicking the link here.
Following the Under 16 Girls trials before lockdown 2, the Under 16 management team have named their squad for the upcoming season. The management team and SSFA would like to thank all of the trialists for the high level of football, with commiserations and best wishes to those unsuccessful this year. The Under 16 Girls squad is named below: Following the confirmation from the government and ESFA that county fixtures cannot continue during lockdown 2, there will be no footballing activity related to Staffordshire Schools' FA until at least 2/12/2020, when the current national restrictions are set to be reviewed. In the mean time, keep an eye on our website and Twitter (@staffsschoolsfa) for further updates. SSFA look forward to seeing everyone again soon in a footballing environment. We hope that all of our players, parents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and their loved ones remain safe and well during this time. Following the friendly against Newcastle College last Monday (2/11/2020), the Under 16 coaching staff have finalised the squad for the upcoming season. A squad of 20 players have been selected, with 5 players on the standby list. Manager Neil Davies would like to congratulate all of the successful boys and thank everyone who attended the trials over the past month, with an incredibly high standard throughout. The Under 16 Boys squad for 2020-21 is named below: Last season's U16 boys side made SSFA history on Saturday, where they became only the second ever U16 boys side to become Champions of England, and the first ever to secure the Midlands Counties League and National Cup double whilst maintaining an unbeaten record across the season. It is a second National title in management for Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley, and a first for coaches Alex Minshull and Jack Bromfield, who lifted the trophy as players three years ago. This is surely a first for a National-winning team, and a glowing justification of the model to bring the very best SSFA ambassadors through, beyond the playing ranks, as our next generation of coaches. The biblical rain at Lilleshall National Sports Centre subsided in time for kick-off, and the sun came out for us. Before kick-off, a minute's applause was dedicated to the late and legendary Mr John Appleby, in recognition of his incredible service to, and passion for SSFA. I think all involved would agree that it was a first half to forget for Staffs, where the occasion maybe played on a few minds. However, thanks to the rock-solid defensive security provided by Joe Baxter and James Sutton, the Bedfordshire attack was kept at bay. Half-time provided an opportunity to take stock and freshen the side at 0-0, with the Staffs lads knowing that they had to find more against a pacy and physical Bedfordshire team. Whilst the second half began more brightly for the boys in green, it was Bedfordshire that drew first blood, with their attacker sharpest to prod past outstretched 'keeper Kyle Curtis. 1-0 down, two major injuries and only 30mins to play - the stage was set for either heartbreak or a legendary turnaround. Lewi Burnside (who was an obvious MOTM) slotted into defence to replace Louis Pelnens, whose injury proved too much to bear any further, with Harvey Bannister-Smith battling through injury with a sublime second half performance on the right side of midfield, maintaining the work-rate and threat Harry Buzzard posed in the 1st half. Morgan Russell and Joe Scriven provided respite for James May and Jack Thomas, who had been so bright and busy throughout. It was Russell who gave Staffs a glimmer of hope, with a composed finish after great close-control from Scriven in the Beds' box. Joe Morley proved a constant threat throughout and came close to putting Staffs in the lead shortly after with an audacious 25 yard effort, with the introduction of Jake Finney causing Bedfordshire’s fullbacks all sorts of problems. Still it remained 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, as the midfield duo of captain Charlie Pearsall and Morgan Payne continued to work doggedly to try to open doors and protect the defence, and showed a level of grit seen only in National Champions. As the awkward questions about penalty takers started to be uttered, Joe Scriven produced a piece of individual magic: taking the ball down on his chest before volleying beautifully beyond the helpless Bedfordshire 'keeper, igniting scenes of absolute euphoria amongst the Staffs players and bench. However, like all elite-level performers, the boys realised that there was 3 minutes to hang on for, and goodness did they have to hang on! The final moments were an onslaught of pressure and corners for Bedfordshire, with the Staffs players throwing their bodies on the line to protect their goal. Eventually, after what seemed like 100 minutes of added time, the final whistle was blown, and the Staffs boys assumed their rightful position as the best in the land, with Captain Fantastic Charlie Pearsall holding the cup aloft. Our sincere thanks to all at ESFA for their efforts in holding the final: not an easy task in the current climate! Staffordshire U16 Boys 0 Newcastle College 0 On a blustery night at Stafford Town, both teams played out an entertaining and competitive friendly, which despite finishing goalless saw numerous near misses for both sides. Staffs Captain Sol Ashworth saw his first half free-kick hit the post and late on James Plant almost struck the winner forcing a good save from the visiting keeper. Newcastle also went close and were denied a goal when Staffs keeper George Lenton pulled off a fine save. The game gave the Staffordshire coaches a final look before deciding on the County squad for the coming season. The squad will be posted on here later this week. The members of last season’s trophy winning squad were also finally presented their medals and the Under 15 Midland Counties Trophy for the 2019-2020 season. Having also been Champions at Under 14, the challenge now is to do the treble and win the Under 16 title as well. This weekend (31/10/2020) sees last years Under 16 Boys take on Bedfordshire in the National Final for the prolonged 2019-2020 season. The game is taking place at Lilleshall, with an unfortunate but important reminder that no spectators are allowed at the game. SSFA wish the Under 16 Boys the best of luck in their final on Saturday. The game will be streamed live on YouTube and can be found here from just before kick off (3PM): https://www.youtube.com/esfatv/ The successful trialists for the Under 14 Girls, Under 15 Boys and Under 16 Boys have also recently been added to the website. The Under 16 boys for the 2020-21 season take on Newcastle College in a friendly on Monday 2nd November, with more details found below on this page. Those successful for the Under 14 Girls and Under 15 Boys are also named below with dates to be confirmed soon for the second trials at Stafford Town FC. The remaining teams for 2020-21 are still being decided and further updates will be announced in the coming week. Following the first Under 15 boys trial, the successful players will go through to a second trial with the existing squad. The date of the second trial will be confirmed soon. Players will be notified via email and on our website regarding the date. SSFA wish to thank all of the unsuccessful boys for their attendance and high standard of football at the trials. We wish you all the best for the current season and hope to see you again at the trials next year. The Under 15 coaching team wish to invite the following boys to the second trial: Luke Kellas Dylan Hawkings Declan Riley Gilchris Kakanou Joe Unitt Yaseen Abu-Khalil Bryn Jose Valasquez Charlie Dean Isaac Galloway On Monday 2nd November the Under 16 Boys (2020-21 season) take on Newcastle College at Stafford Town in a friendly. Players should arrive for 6pm with a 7pm kick off. Players should also arrive changed and ready to play with dark shorts and socks (preferably black), and will be given a County shirt to be worn on the night and returned at the end of the game. Spectators are welcome, with a £2 entry charge which will go towards SSFA costs, having not recieved income as an organisation from any footballing activity since March. The squad for Monday can be found below: George Lenton Mason Pickering Sol Ashworth James Plant Kyle Corns Jensen Peake Alfie Clarke Will Finlay Adam Cockbill Ben Humphries Isaac Taylor Matt Steadman Luca Chandler Lewis Holden Harry Taylor Henry Carter Sam Scott Freddie Nakash Mark Mataranyica Edward Gillett The main purpose of the game is to take a final look at the new trialists who were unable to make the first trial plus a few members of last season’s County squad who again missed the first trial. Some squad players from last year are also involved in this game to ensure players are available in each position. On Saturday 31st October, SSFA Under 16 boys will take on Bedfordshire looking to become only the second Staffordshire Under 16 Boys team to win the National Final. The game was originally scheduled to take place in May but was postponed due to Covid-19. SSFA are delighted that most of the players get their well-earned opportunity to become national champions. The management team of Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley will be looking to add their 2nd national title in 3 years, this time assisted by 2 ex-SSFA National Champions Jack Bromfield and Alex Minshull. The team is also hoping to become the second Staffordshire team to win national final honours in the prolonged 2019-2020 season following the Under 18 boys being declared joint winners a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Staffordshire's squad will not consist all of their players from the 2019-2020 season following the EFL's decision to prevent 4 members of the squad from playing in a national final in which they worked so hard for and deeply deserved the opportunity to play in the final. However, the Staffordshire squad remains full of talent and relish their underdog status as they have done on so many occasions in the 3 years the squad has been together. SSFA thank all of the boys involved this season for their attitude, commitment and incredible hard work culminating in this final game together. Special mention must also go to the parents of the Under 16 boys squad - their superb backing of the players throughout the 3 years has been outstanding and no doubt helped both the players and coaching team! It is with regret that due to the current Covid-19 situation, NO SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE GAME. Instead, the ESFA will provide a live stream for the game on YouTube which can be found on the day at https://www.youtube.com/c/ESFATV/featured. We kindly ask all parents/guardians to continue to follow the guidelines provided by the ESFA to ensure the final runs as smoothly as possible. The squad for the National Final is as follows: Kyle Curtis - Friary James May - Cardinal Griffin Morgan Payne - Walton Jack Thomas - The Rawlett School Louis Pelnens - Codsall James Sutton - Weston Road Charlie Pearsall (C) - John Taylor High School Harvey Bannister-Smith - Blessed William Howard Joe Baxter - Painsley Lewi Burnside - Netherstowe High School Joe Morley - Cardinal Griffin Harry Buzzard - Erasmus Darwin Academy Jake Finney - Endon High School Morgan Russell - Erasmus Darwin Academy Keelan Summerfield - Walton Joseph Scriven - Codsall Players that are unable to play due to the EFL preventing them from doing so: Callum Niven - John Taylor High School Greg Lewis - Friary Huw Emery - De Ferrers Academy Eden Bailey - Trentham High School Please be aware that, until FINAL squad lists are published, ALL trialists are still “in the mix” for selection. Various teams may hold extra friendlies or events which, due to COVID-19, not all will be able to attend. But inclusion/omission in these extra trial events is not indicative of being part of the final squad or not. Also, as discussed at trials, coaches cannot offer individual feedback to unsuccessful trialists, as we simply do not have the human, time or analytical resources. Thanks in advance of your understanding. Further to the recent trials at Stafford Town on Monday 28th September, the Management team have provided the following update: Following an excellent trial involving new trialists and the existing squad from last season, a further trial will be announced shortly in the form of a friendly game, most likely against Newcastle College. This will allow the coaches to finalise the squad for the forthcoming Inter County season which is planned to commence in January. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the initial trial. The standard as always was excellent. Once a date for the final trial game is finalised, we will post the squad for that game on here. Following the incredible achievement of the Under 18 Boys team reaching the National Final in the 2019/2020 season pre-covid, Staffordshire School’s FA and Gloucestershire SFA have now been crowned joint winners by the ESFA. Despite the best efforts to play the final, under 18s prove a difficult age group to keep together with a lot of players moving on to university (some abroad), made even more difficult with the current pandemic and travel restrictions. Nevertheless, the Under 18 Boys squad, alongside the coaching team of Mark Culverhouse, Greg Valentine and Matt Skinner should be extremely proud of their 2019/2020 season and huge congratulations go out to everyone involved. Players will be awarded with their medals in due course and SSFA hope to get the squad back together when it is safe to do so in recognition of their achievements. The Under 16 Boys national final against Bedfordshire is still scheduled to go ahead towards the end of the month. Due to restrictions of numbers, nominations for Monday's U14 Boys trial are now CLOSED. Thanks so much to all the teachers who nominated! If you have nominated/been nominated, please send a follow up email or direct message with position(s), as the trial will be split across 2 sessions. SSFA look forward to the U14 Boys trial on Monday and look to continue our return to football in the safe and Covid-secure manner as the trials have done so far. Monday evening saw Staffordshire Schools FA hold their first county trial ahead of the upcoming season. The Under 18 Boys trialled at Stafford Town FC and there was some excellent quality on show in our first ‘Covid-Secure’ return to football event. Those who attended the Under 18s trial on Monday are advised to keep an eye on their emails and the SSFA website for more information regarding squad selection or further trial updates. It is with thanks to the players, parents, coaches and volunteers for adhering to the guidelines as well as those at Stafford Town FC for allowing the evening to run smoothly and safely. This new way of normal must be continued to ensure the next set of trials for other age groups in the coming weeks also run safely. For a reminder of SSFA's Covid-Secure documents for our return to football, please click the link here. Staffordshire Schools FA are working hard to ensure a return to county football is safe ahead of the upcoming season. Trial information has been emailed out to PE staff and further information regarding trials will also be emailed to schools. Without a nomination from their school, players cannot trial! Staffordshire Schools FA look forward to welcoming back players and also getting to know new faces ahead of the upcoming season. It is advised that all players, parents and coaches read through the SSFA Covid-19 page by clicking the link here. From there you will find the list of Covid regulations and updates ahead of SSFA's return to football. Please note that the latest update from the government banning social gatherings of more than 6 people (from 14/09/2020) does not apply to organised team sports. Therefore, SSFA are still committed to a safe and Covid-secure return to football as planned ahead of the 2020/21 season. Please find attached arrangements for John's funeral and the link to the donations page. Please click the link below or paste the link into your URL bar to access the website page. It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the sad passing of John Appleby on Friday 7th August. As some of you know John had been ill for the last few months and bore his illness with great strength and dignity. Our condolences go out to Janine and his family. As yet no further details regarding funeral arrangements are known. All competitions for next season are only provisional but potential entries need to be made so plans can be formulated to cater fir various scenarios. Seventeen schools have made entries. No fees are required until there is certainty about he games going aheadso if your school wished to make an entry then use the form in the previous article. Staffordshire SFA have called an end to season 19-20 due to the current pandemic. Teams who have reached the finals of the individual schools competitions will share the trophy and medals will be sent to schools when it is considered safe to do so. This is not a satisfactory conclusion to the season but the only one available and it is a model that has been used by the majority of the County associations nationwide. What the future holds in the short term nobody knows but the County Association is planning for a resumption of activities for next season. This of course could be delayed and may not even happen but if and when a resumption is allowed then Staffordshire SFA will be ready. Schools have been sent forms for entry into our individual schools competitions as well as nomination forms for the trials for the County sides next season. These have been duplicated below. It needs to made very clear that only teachers can nominate pupils for county trials, not clubs or parents. If there is a gifted and talented boy or girl who attends a school that is not actively involved in school football then the teacher in charge of PE needs to be approached to fill in the appropriate paperwork. Trials will only be held when it is safe to do so and unlike the past few seasons they will not be held prior to the autumn term. The County Association hopes that all involved are staying safe and following the guidelines of social distancing to ensure that all involved in our great game remain healthy. Below is the newsletter sent to schools today This coming bank holiday weekend would have seen a new chapter written into the long history of Staffordshire Schools Football. For the first time two teams had reached the finals of National competitions in the same season. The Under 18 Boys and the U16 Boys were due to play their finals at the Bet 365 stadium this weekend. The Under 18 Boys were due to meet Gloucestershire having negotiated their way through ties against Cheshire (5-0),South Yorkshire (4-2) and Lancashire (2-1) to set up their place in the final. The management team of Mark Culverhouse, Greg Valentine and Matt Skinner were looking forward to leading oiut an extremely talented group which included three internationals from this seasons ESFA U18 squad. Having already clinched the MCF title the boys were confident of putting on a good show to try and bring the U18 National title to Staffordshire for the first time. The Under 16 Boys were due to meet Bedfordshire having beaten Humberside (3-1), West Midlands (3-1) Cardiff and the Vale (4-1) and North Yorkshire (2-1) to earn their final tie. The team remained unbeaten this season and were looking to add a second title for managers Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley this time assisted by ex players Alex Minshull and Jack Bromfield.The majority of the squad have been together for three years and have been superb ambassadors for their schools. There may be some clarification regarding the future in the next few days but it is looking increasingly likely that these games will remain unplayed. There are far more important issues at this moment in time and when people are losing their lives football is but a trivial distraction. However in the years to come all of the players from all teams that would have played in the finals will look back at what they will regard as a missed opportunity and will always ask 'What might have been'. The MCF have finished the season as there is no chance of completion of the competitions due to the current situation with coronavirus. The championships have been awarded to the teams that topped the leagues when the suspension of the season happened in March. Staffordshire boys have performed outstandingly well with the U18, u16,and the U15 boys winning the titles and the U14 Boys finishing as runners up in their competition. All three winners were unbeaten and the U14 boys tasted defeat once to the Chanpions West Midlands who were worthy winners. The girls struggled to make an impact this season due to the RTC.s refusing to release girls for County matchess. Only a couple of sets of parents stood their ground and insisted that their daughters played County football for which the CSFA were very grateful.There will be a debate in the close season about the viability of continuing with girls representative football due to the facyt that counties who have RTC players available are so much stronger that they are totally dominant and can leave teams who do not have these players available at a distinct disadvantage. Parents committment to county football will be the key. The winners of the competitions can be found below; u14 boys - West Midlands u15 boys - Staffordshire u16 boys (east) - Lincolnshire u16 boys (west) - Staffordshire u18 boys - Staffordshire u16 girls - Shropshire u14 girls - West Midlands The U18 and U16 boys still await news of wether or not they will be playing in the national finala Can you answere the following ten questions/ Send answers to website. More questions to follow. We at Staffordshire Schools'FA hope that all of or players, parents teachers are staying safe and following the government guidelines. It is very difficult and pretty boring but it is needs must and the more islolated from each other we are then the sooner we can hopefully emerge from these dark days. As a group we have to applaud and assist our NHS who are on the frontline with all of the inherent dangers, whilst we stay away from each other to help them in their quest to beat this virus. The Chairman of ESFA has released a statement which says that depending on the situation that the ESFA cup competitions will be completed wherever possible. That could mean them taking place in September so with our two teams that have reached the final there is hope that we may be able to play the games. Understandably we may have to ask for special consideration to be given to some players for a variety of different reasons. The County Schools FA will do the same with regard to our Individual schools competition again depending on the advice given by the government and the ESFA. You can only feel for those clubs who have had their seasons terminated, especially those who were certain of promotion but these are extraordinary times. Stay safe. Staffordshire Schools FA activity like all football has closed down because of the virus situation in the Uk. Now is a time for reflection and looking after oneself and family. No decisions have been made regarding what will happen regarding outstanding fixtures but there will be no activity before the end of April at the earliest. We hope that all of our players parents teachers and their loved ones remain safe and well . Following advice from the governing body and the government then all schools football under the jurisdiction of SSFA is now suspended until futher notice. This includes county representative teams and all individual schools cup competitions. Hopefully if we see some light at the end of this very dark tunnel then finals may be played in the summer term. The Staffordshire Schools FA hopes everyone stays safe and well. Information and news will be posted here when it becomes available. The Under 18 and Under 16 boys have reached the national inter county cup finals which are due to be played on the 8th or 9th of May at the Bet 365 Stadium, the home of Stoke City FC. Staffordshire Schools wish to make this a very special occassion for the boys and one which will live long in their memories the results not withstanding.We are looking for companies to come forward to sponsor the boys warm up tops , playing kit and match balls. The games will receive lots of publicity and are being streamed live from the ground. If you are able to help then please make contact through the website as the Association do not receive any funding for running representative sides.It is a great opportunity to be associated with schools football at the highest level. @staffsschoolsfa will allow all to follow what is going on and will supplement the information available on the website. Follow the account which is being run by Under 15 team Manager Bailey Evans.